CYPRUS V RAF

(Muhammad writes)

On the magnificent green outfield surrounding the newly laid pitch at Akrotiri, the Cyprus National Cricket Team took on visiting Royal Air Force (RAF) Development side from UK and Combined Services Akrotiri side in a T20 competition and a 40 overs game on Easter weekend.

In the first T20 game on Saturday, Cyprus saw off the challenge of Combined Services Akrotiri side by registering a comprehensive 8 wickets win. Batting first Combined Services side only managed to post 85 runs in allotted 20 overs. Manju the main destroyer with 4 wickets, was ably supported by Rafiq (2), Marcus (1), Kapila (1), and Bhatti (1)

Bhattis spin outfoxes the hard hitting RAF bat.

In reply Cyprus eased past the target for the loss of 2 wickets and 6 overs to spare. Khan scoring a magnificent half century (53), and Sarwar (17) providing the pivotal support.

Khan en route to his half century

In the second T20 game played on Saturday, Cyprus after winning the toss decided to bat first. However, some tidy bowling and sharp fielding resulted in Cyprus tumbling to 49 runs for 6 wickets in 10 overs. A late order recovery led by Gill (33) and Kapila (25) resulted in Cyprus posting a competitive score of 104 runs in allotted 20 overs for the loss of 8 wickets.

Gill in a late order rally

Cyprus bowlers started aggressively and made life difficult for the RAF openers, however, failing to hold on to difficult chances let the touirists canter to a 50 runs opening stand. Cyprus bowlers came back, stricking twice in 2 overs but the damage had already been been done. A tight four overs from Rubel delayed the inevitable to the 19^th over, an Raf 8 wickets win, thanks largely to fine knocks from openers Crobett (38), and Shelford (33*).

an elegant strike to the boundary

In the 40 overs game played on Easter Sunday, RAF team batted first and racked up 264 runs in allotted overs for the loss of 9 wickets. Once again, it was the openers Crobett (34), and Shelford (49) who provided the solid foundation. A late charge by Sinclair (46) and a generous contribution of 75 extras (65 wides) were the other highlights. For Cyprus, Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 36. Rubel and Christos were the most economical amongst the rest. Cyprus Team reply got off to the worst possible start, as they lost 5 wickets for 15 runs in 8 overs. However, even a middle order recovery and a late fight back led by Muhammadπs fine knock of 56 couldnπt save Cyprus from defeat, as they folded out to 127 all out. Opening bowlers Sinclair 3 for 31, and Yates 4 for 40 doing most of the damage.

half centurian Muhammad